Dhanbad: Panic gripped parts of Tundi block in Dhanbad district after a herd of wild elephants created havoc late on Thursday night. The herd, comprising five elephants including a calf, reportedly entered West Tundi from the Pirtand area of Giridih district and reached Dalugora village via Dandatand late at night.
Soon after entering the village, the elephants began damaging residential structures. According to local residents, the house of Dalugora villager Ramlal Murmu was badly damaged. The elephants consumed the paddy stored in the house and scattered the remaining grain.
The elephants later broke through a wall and entered the house. At the time of the incident, Ramlal Murmu’s wife Chandoli Murmu and their three daughters, Sanjoti Kumari, Sevanti Kumari, and Samita Kumari, were sleeping inside. Fortunately, all of them escaped unharmed. Ramlal Murmu was away from home at the time due to work commitments.
After receiving information about the incident, a group of villagers rushed to the spot carrying torches. After sustained efforts, they managed to drive the herd out of the village towards the China Pahari area, bringing temporary relief to residents.
On Friday morning, BJP Tundi mandal president Govind Tudu visited the affected family and gathered details of the incident. He contacted forest department officials and the district administration, demanding immediate compensation for the victim family. He also sought the provision of food grains and warm clothing as immediate relief.
Fear continues to prevail in the area due to frequent movement and destruction caused by elephants. Villagers have urged the forest department to intensify monitoring and put in place a permanent solution to prevent such incidents in the future.